Designing the first book in the history of Porsche in Spain: Our experience with Pepita
A few months ago, we received a unique opportunity that marked a turning point in our journey: to design the aesthetics of the first book about the history of Porsche in Spain . We're referring to "Porsche Pepita," the work by Álvaro Couso and Juan Carlos Granados that compiles dozens of stories from Porsche owners, drivers, and enthusiasts in our country. For us, self-confessed fans of the brand, participating in an official Porsche Ibérica project has been more than just a design project: it has been a tremendous honor and responsibility. Below, we share our personal experience, our creative process , and a critical reflection on automotive communication in Spain today.
A project that marks a before and after
From the very beginning, we understood the historical importance of Porsche Pepita . It's not just another car book: it's the first book to capture the history of Porsche in Spain, told through its protagonists. In fact, the presentation itself at Porsche Madrid Norte was a major event, bringing together Spanish motorsport legends linked to Porsche. The general manager of Porsche Ibérica , Tomás Villén, perfectly summed up the importance of this work when he stated that the brand "was missing a family book, and Pepita is the family book of Porsche Ibérica." That is to say, there's finally a book that documents and celebrates the passion shared by thousands of Spanish enthusiasts over decades.
For Cars & Pizza Club , being part of this initiative meant reaching a new level. For the first time, we're collaborating on something so directly tied to the legacy of Porsche, a brand we revere and embrace as a culture in itself. As enthusiasts who started out selling car-lover apparel and creating automotive content, seeing our work featured in an official Porsche book is a dream come true. It's been, both personally and professionally, a transformative project that motivated us to unleash our creativity and knowledge.
Freehand drawings and PTS colors: our design approach
The special edition of “Pepita” features our cover illustrated with iconic Porsche parts in PTS colors.
The specific brief we took on was the design of the back covers and packaging for Porsche Pepita . We wanted the book to exude Porsche DNA and reflect our passion for the brand from the very first glance. To achieve this, we conceived a design based on freehand illustrations of parts from different iconic Porsche models , from steering wheels and wheels to unmistakable silhouettes of classic cars. We spent a lot of time selecting representative mechanical and aesthetic elements from legendary models (only a true Porsche fan could recognize each drawn part of a 911, 356, 959, etc.), ensuring they were recognizable and meaningful.
Initially, we traced all the pencil drawings on paper and digitized them to create a random mosaic that covered the entire surface. We arranged the pieces across the canvas in a seemingly chaotic yet balanced way, seeking to evoke that garage collage feel where different eras and designs of the brand coexist. However, upon seeing the first sketch in simple gray lines on a white background, we felt the result was somewhat flat and lacking in life. The solution? Applying Porsche's PTS (Paint To Sample) colors to the illustrations.
The addition of the Porsche Special Color palette —the striking optional shades the brand offers its most discerning customers— completely revitalized the design. Each drawn piece took center stage with a distinct, vibrant color: historic and modern Porsche tones that brought dynamism and visual variety. Now, looking at the book's back cover and slipcase , a special energy is pervaded. The hand-drawn lines retain their authenticity, but the colors give them depth and celebrate Porsche's unique signature of offering cars in unique colors. The result is a unique and distinctive design that combines the nostalgia of a pencil sketch with the contemporary vibrancy of the PTS. We believe the Porsche DNA is evident in every line and color, from tradition to innovation.
Claiming Spanish automotive culture.
The satisfaction of seeing Pepita published under our personal imprint was accompanied by an important reflection. Why are there hardly any books like this in Spain? We realize how rich and extensive the history of motorsports has been in Spain, yet there are few initiatives to capture and disseminate it. Pepita is a wonderful exception, but we would love for it to be the beginning of a trend and not an isolated case.
We're somewhat frustrated to see that, in general, there's no commitment to rescuing and communicating the history of motorsports in our country . In other automotive cultures (think of the UK, Germany, the US), it's common to see books, documentaries, and events celebrating its legacy. Here in Spain, it seems that the attention of the public and brands is more focused on the immediate and superficial, neglecting our own fascinating local histories. How many young fans know about the exploits of Spanish Porsche drivers or the evolution of the brand here? If we don't tell these stories, we risk losing them over time. That's why projects like Porsche Pepita are so important: they connect generations and serve as a bridge between the past and the present, inspiring future enthusiasts.
Supporting Spanish automotive culture means investing in memory, education, and pride in our heritage. Every book, article, or video made about our automotive legends in Spain is a building block for a more informed and passionate community. We'd love to see more publishing initiatives, exhibitions, and content that highlight the many contributions and experiences Spain has made in the automotive world. From stories of models manufactured here, historic fan clubs, to illustrious figures in Spanish motorsports, there is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered by new generations.
Passion vs. Influence: A Critique of Current Motor Communication
At the same time, we can't help but criticize the direction many brands are taking in automotive communication today . We observe with concern how numbers are prioritized over substance : the trendy influencer , celebrity, or model with millions of followers is sought out to promote cars or events, leaving aside those who truly have a passion for and knowledge of motorsports. This trend is evident in Spain, where brands often collaborate with people who may have a social media following but lack the ability to feel the engine or authentically communicate what a car means.
We're a little tired of seeing how certain influencers are given more attention than specialized content creators . Many of these influencers only provide inflated numbers (sometimes by buying followers, let's face it) and pose next to a car without providing context or real enthusiasm. The result? Empty campaigns and content, pretty on the outside but soulless, that may generate temporary engagement but fail to build a loyal or educated community in automotive culture.
We firmly believe that automotive brands should invest more in collaborators who truly live this world , even if their audience is smaller in comparison. People who get excited talking about engines, who know the history behind a classic model, who have followed races or restored cars, and who know how to convey that genuine passion to their audience. By working with these authentic enthusiasts, brands not only sell a product, but also tell a credible story and create a stronger bond with their audience. Because true enthusiasts value honesty and depth: you can tell when someone speaks from experience and a love of cars, versus when they're just reciting a marketing script.
Ultimately, it's vital to rethink how automotive communication is being managed. We'd love to see fewer posturing campaigns and more collaborations with specialized journalists, mechanical YouTubers, classic car clubs, racing photographers... In other words, with the people who keep the passion of this hobby alive day after day. Brands that understand this and integrate it into their strategy will surely gain the community's respect in the long term.
Conclusion: Passion, history and authenticity ahead
The adventure of designing Porsche Pepita has taught us many things. First, it reminded us why we love this world so much: its fascinating history , its aesthetics and technology, and the community of dedicated people behind it. Second, it showed us that when you work with true passion , the result stands out and resonates with people. Every pencil stroke we drew and every PTS color we applied carried that genuine enthusiasm, and we believe that comes through when you hold the book in your hands.
Hopefully, this experience will not only be a milestone for us, but also a small push to increase the value of our own automotive culture in Spain. Hopefully, there will be more books like Pepita , more projects that tell our stories, and that brands and media outlets will give space to those who truly embrace this world. At Cars & Pizza Club, we will continue to do our part—whether through designs, content, or events—to keep the automotive passion alive and authentic . At the end of the day, that's what it's all about: experiencing cars with our hearts, sharing that excitement with other car lovers , and keeping the spark that made us fall in love with cars alive in the first place.
Thank you for reading our story and reflection. If you've made it this far, it's probably because you share this passion with us. See you around the next bend, always with pizza in one hand and gas in the other! 🚗🍕